Podcasts about iowans

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order that requires work authorization checks for new state employees. The Iowa Supreme Court is deciding if low-income Iowans should have to pay court fees if their case is dismissed. And methane from landfills in Dubuque is converted into natural gas to power homes.

Josh Turek knows how to win. A U.S. Senate candidate, current Iowa State Legislator, and two-time Paralympic gold medalist for Team USA, Josh joins Andrew Vontz & Jonathan Kaplan on United States of Sweat presented by Choose the Hard Way. This is the show where politicians and policymakers share stories about fitness, health and the sports they love playing.  Josh has faced adversity his entire life. Born with Spina Bifida after his dad was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam, he overcame 21 surgeries by the age of 12. Later he was cut from the Team USA wheelchair basketball squad six times.  Relentless in his training and as a top professional wheelchair basketball player, Josh kept coming back.  He finally made the team and went on to represent the U.S. at four Para-Olympics where he won two gold medals. After his basketball career ended with a gold medal in Tokyo in 2021, Josh campaigned to represent his hometown of Council Bluffs in the state legislature.  Competing in a district that Donald Trump won twice, Josh pushed his chair up hills and crawled up stairs to talk to Iowans of all political stripes, eventually winning his first race by six votes.  He was re-elected by a five-point margin at the same time Trump was winning the seat by eight points, not only because of his work ethic but because he's developed a reputation as a common-sense, bipartisan legislator. --------- Jonathan Kaplan is the founder of WRITE CADENCE STRATEGIES, helping individuals and organizations navigate Washington, shape policy and manage reputational risk. He also writes RIDING WITH, a newsletter and podcast exploring the intersection of pro cycling, media, business and politics. Find that at ridingwithkaplan.substack.com. --------- The number one way to support Choose the Hard Way is to become a paid subscriber to  alwaysthehardway.substack.com. That's where Andrew Vontz shares his reflections on these interviews and writes about engaged mindfulness, bikes and life.  --------- For senior execs, pro athletes, and political leaders, podcasts aren't optional anymore. They're mission-critical. At One Real Voice, Andrew Vontz coaches leaders 1:1 to help them thrive as storytellers and stand out in the long-form podcast conversations where real influence is built.  When you're ready to be great, DM him @hardwaypod or email hello@onerealvoice.com. --------- Wherever you're listening to this podcast, please subscribe and hit 5 stars. ------------- Crypto curious? With over $1 trillion in transactions to date, https://www.blockchain.com/ is your trusted partner on your crypto journey. Create your free wallet and get up to 10% in annual rewards by putting your crypto to work. Go to Blockchain.com to get started today, no experience required. ------------- Choose the Hard Way Newsletter: https://alwaysthehardway.substack.com/ ------------- One Real Voice podcast coaching & strategy: https://www.onerealvoice.com/

Eric the Analytical Iowan joins us on the program today. With all that's going on it's great to get his perspective. Let's get into it.

Eric the Analytical Iowan joins us on the program today. With all that's going on it's great to get his perspective. Let's get into it.

Iowans who own their own businesses are vital to the workforce. But, for those interested in entrepreneurship, the path ahead might be overwhelming. For Iowans looking to own their own business, many wonder: where do you start? One place might be Entrepreneurship Professor Malinda Shultice's classroom at Iowa State University. Mission: Employable podcast hosts Ben Oldach and Kathy Leggett as they learn what it takes to launch your own business from Professor Shultice. Learn from Shultice how the experience of running her own business helps keep the class practical and relevant to new students. 

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dive into the latest ITR Foundation poll, offering fresh insight into how Iowans feel about taxes, spending, education, and the state's political environment. With overwhelming bipartisan support for constitutional limits on raising taxes and capping property tax growth, the poll makes clear that taxpayers want stronger protections — and they want them now.The conversation also takes a serious turn with the shocking story of Des Moines school superintendent Ian Roberts, who was detained by federal agents under a long-standing deportation order. Chris and John walk through the facts of the case, raise questions about how Roberts was ever hired to lead Iowa's largest school district, and criticize the evasive responses of Democratic leaders. For Iowans, the scandal isn't just about immigration — it's about accountability in education and government.From there, the hosts return to the numbers: the poll shows Iowa Republicans remain in a strong position heading into 2026, with a +10 point generic ballot advantage even in what should be a difficult midterm environment for the party in power. Education Savings Accounts continue to gain support as more families see their benefits firsthand, while property tax reform remains a political winner that cuts across party lines.The episode closes with a thoughtful exchange on tariffs and trade, showing how conservative views on economic policy are shifting in the Trump era. Chris and John weigh the populist push for tariffs against Iowa's agricultural reliance on global markets, highlighting both risks and opportunities. It's a conversation that shows how national debates directly impact Iowa families and businesses.

This Soil Sisters podcast features Austin Frerick, an author and expert on agriculture and antitrust policy, discussing his book 'Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry.' The conversation unpacks many complexities of the American food system and solutions to break free from the current model. Austin emphasizes the power of our voices to usher in substantial food system reform through local and institutional channels like schools and hospitals, to rekindle traditional farming practices, and create resilient agricultural communities. MEET OUR GUEST: Austin Frerick is an expert on agricultural and antitrust policy. In 2024, he published his debut book, entitled Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry. The book, which includes a forward by Eric Schlosser, profiles a series of powerful magnates to illustrate the concentration of power in the global food system.Frerick previously worked at the Open Markets Institute, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the Congressional Research Service before becoming a Fellow at Yale University. He is a 7th generation Iowan and 1st generation college graduate, with degrees from Grinnell College and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He also serves on the Board of Directors as Vice President for Common Good Iowa and as Treasurer for the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project. In 2022, The Advocate named him a "Champion of Pride.” He has been quoted in The New York Times, National Geographic, Bloomberg, Politico, Vanity Fair, and The Washington Post, among others.TIME STAMPS:00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast00:45 Introducing Austin Frerick01:18 The Broken Food System02:22 The Importance of Traditional Farming03:23 Challenges in the Food Industry09:19 The Walmart Effect13:32 The Power of Local Grocery Stores21:07 The Impact of Checkoff Programs30:25 The Ethanol Debate34:12 The Farm Bill and Subsidies: Who Really Benefits?35:16 The Monopoly on Chicken Genetics and Its Consequences36:06 The Decline of Family Farms and Worker Conditions37:36 The Impact of Monocropping and GMO Feed on Livestock41:32 The Problem with Food Labels and Organic Standards43:00 The American Food System vs. European Models46:08 The Role of Government and Industry in Food Quality48:52 The Future of Farming: Regenerative Practices and Policy Changes 01:04:06 The Illusion of Choice in the Food Market01:07:02 Struggles of Minimum Wage Workers01:08:25 The Hidden Costs of Convenience Foods01:08:56 The Dollar General Dilemma01:10:00 The Decline of Slaughterhouse Towns01:13:49 The Exploitation in Chicken Farming01:16:50 The Rise of Cisco01:22:12 The Importance of Local Food Systems01:24:28 The Impact of Poor Quality Food01:28:23 The Problem with Cheap Imports01:35:56 The Power of Passionate Industry Leaders01:36:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

From quirky t-shirts to SNL laughs to a glamorous Muppet — discover what makes these Iowans truly famous.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny are joined by two medical providers from MercyOne Medical Center & Hospital in Clinton, Iowa. Christine Lynch, DPM, is a podiatrist at MercyOne Clinton Specialty Care. She earned her bachelor's degree in biology from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, and her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Des Moines University. Christine completed her residency at Miami VA Hospital in Miami, Florida.Dr. Lynch focuses on understanding her patients, educating them about their conditions, and helping them select the most suitable treatment options for their individual lifestyles. Outside of work, Christine enjoys walking her dog, supporting her children, and baking.W. Ashton Nickles, DPM, is also a podiatrist specializing in podiatric surgery at MercyOne Clinton Specialty Care. Originally from Southern California, he now considers himself an Iowan. He attended Brigham Young University for his undergraduate studies, majoring in Human Development. He moved to Iowa to continue his education at Des Moines University in 1999 and trained at Broadlawns Medical Center.Outside of work, Ashton spends most of his time with his wife and seven children. He enjoys outdoor activities such as woodworking, canoeing, and camping. He is actively involved in his faith and volunteers at his church, currently teaching an early morning gospel study class for high school students.Dr. Lynch and Dr. Nickles can be reached by calling 563.244.5900.For more information about MercyOne Clinton, visit their website at https://lnkd.in/gsgtqv_8. To promote your business, organization, or event on the podcast, contact Grow Clinton at 563.242.5702 or visit www.GrowClinton.com.Grow Clinton values your feedback! Please complete a short survey at https://lnkd.in/gfzKpUEM.Grow Clinton champions economic growth, fosters community, and supports the sustainable success of businesses in the Greater Clinton Region.Thank you for your ongoing support. ~Andy

What is the hardest word to pronounce for Iowans that needed to be googled? What are M&Ms? Does missing your child's soccer game, to play golf, make you the bad guy? Enjoy!

An Iowan is going to Rome to meet with the Pope. Some blind Iowans are concerned about changes to a state program. And Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver has stepped down.

The Mission: Employable podcast is dedicated to telling the stories of all Iowans in the workforce. These stories often include sharing real world experiences of Iowans with disabilities as they overcome workforce barriers and find meaningful employment. In this episode, the Mission: Employable team sits down with the Iowa State Treasurer's Office to highlight Iowa's Achieving a Better Life Experience (IABLE) savings plan. This federal savings program allows Iowans with disabilities to save money without the risk of losing benefits. In January of 2026, nearly 130,000 Iowans will qualify for one of these plans. Learn more about this program with an open discussion from Mission: Employable host Ben Oldach and Deputy State Treasurer, Alicia Callanan

The service and sacrifice of Black Americans in defense of the United States is believed to be a driving force in the progress of civil rights over generations.

Marissa Eyanson, Director of Behavioral Health for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, shares how her department is breaking down silos between its behavioral health and disability service systems to make it easier for Iowans to access care; Dr. Paul Petersen, Director of the Emergency Preparedness Program with the Tennessee Department of Health, explains how his state teamed up with ASTHO to strengthen its Healthcare Resource Tracking System (HRTS) and support emergency preparedness efforts; on September 16th, PHIG Partners Public Health Data Modernization Implementation Center Program will hold the first of two Q&A sessions on Wave 2 applications; and Thursday, September 18th, ASTHO will host its second session in its three-part Succession Planning series to help public health agencies develop a more resilient workforce. Iowa HHS: State of Iowa Launches New Behavioral Health and Disability Services Systems ASTHO Resource: Public Health Preparedness PHIG Partners: Public Health Data Modernization IC Program Wave 2 Q&A (Session 1) ASTHO Webinar: Succession Planning Part 2 of 3: Laying the Groundwork  

The Oskaloosa Community School District is investigating a teacher who allegedly posted comments that appeared to celebrate Charlie Kirk's death. The Iowa DNR is starting a new project to try to reduce E. coli in some Iowa water. And why are some Iowans concerned about Flock cameras?

Reed was interviewed as part of the Drake University Everclass session for Drake alumni and friends of the track and field program on Aug. 19. Lance listened in on the interview by Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays Blake Boldon and captured some sound bites from the 67-minute session. Fischer talks about his last-minute decision to attend Drake and why it was one of the best decisions he's ever made. The Tinman Elite runner based in Boulder, CO, gives the history of his race team and the fortunate timing of his first sponsorship deal with Adidas. Fischer speaks about giving up a chance to run in a world major marathon to compete for the U.S. at the world championships marathon in Tokyo on Sept. 14. Reed previews the course and his strategy for what is expected to be a warm event. Lance also has a segment on some newsworthy track and field items involving Iowans.

The Trump Administration's agenda is encountering legal challenges on multiple fronts, including the president's tariffs, attempts to withhold federal funding from universities, and efforts to crack down on crime in certain cities. FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins the Rundown to break down these legal battles and weigh in on controversies surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein probe, Florida's vaccine mandate ban, and the recent military strike on a suspected Tren de Aragua drug trafficking boat off of the coast of Venezuela. To regain control of the Senate, the Democrats need to flip four seats and defend the ones they currently hold in next year's midterm elections. Iowa Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson has announced her candidacy for the Senate seat currently held by the retiring Joni Ernst, a seat the Democrats believe may be in play. She joins the Rundown to discuss her campaign, how Iowans feel about the President's trade policies, and her plans to keep that seat red. Plus, commentary from the host of “Tomi Lahren is Fearless" on Outkick, Tomi Lahren. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We asked Iowans masculinity means to them 2025.

The Trump Administration's agenda is encountering legal challenges on multiple fronts, including the president's tariffs, attempts to withhold federal funding from universities, and efforts to crack down on crime in certain cities. FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins the Rundown to break down these legal battles and weigh in on controversies surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein probe, Florida's vaccine mandate ban, and the recent military strike on a suspected Tren de Aragua drug trafficking boat off of the coast of Venezuela. To regain control of the Senate, the Democrats need to flip four seats and defend the ones they currently hold in next year's midterm elections. Iowa Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson has announced her candidacy for the Senate seat currently held by the retiring Joni Ernst, a seat the Democrats believe may be in play. She joins the Rundown to discuss her campaign, how Iowans feel about the President's trade policies, and her plans to keep that seat red. Plus, commentary from the host of “Tomi Lahren is Fearless" on Outkick, Tomi Lahren. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump Administration's agenda is encountering legal challenges on multiple fronts, including the president's tariffs, attempts to withhold federal funding from universities, and efforts to crack down on crime in certain cities. FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins the Rundown to break down these legal battles and weigh in on controversies surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein probe, Florida's vaccine mandate ban, and the recent military strike on a suspected Tren de Aragua drug trafficking boat off of the coast of Venezuela. To regain control of the Senate, the Democrats need to flip four seats and defend the ones they currently hold in next year's midterm elections. Iowa Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson has announced her candidacy for the Senate seat currently held by the retiring Joni Ernst, a seat the Democrats believe may be in play. She joins the Rundown to discuss her campaign, how Iowans feel about the President's trade policies, and her plans to keep that seat red. Plus, commentary from the host of “Tomi Lahren is Fearless" on Outkick, Tomi Lahren. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Des Moines' bus system proposes reducing services by about 10 percent under a new plan aimed at avoiding a major budget shortfall. A Democrat who was running for the US House now says he'll run for Senate instead. And health experts say this flu season could be a severe one – and they want more Iowans to get a flu shot.

IowaWORKS has offices all across the state, but sometimes it's easier for workforce services to come to you; enter the IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center.  This one-stop shop on wheels travels across Iowa making it easy for job seekers to learn about unemployment benefits, openings, and how to navigate through Iowa's largest online job bank. Hear from Driver and Career Planner Edgar Ramirez about what the mobile center has to offer, and the stories of Iowans he's served on the road. 

This episode discusses suicide and suicide prevention. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.In this episode of EFR's Emotion Well Podcast, Hayl Bergeland, Suicide Prevention Grant Coordinator at EFR, joins us for an important conversation on suicide prevention, awareness, and support. Hayl discusses why suicide remains such a difficult topic for people to talk about, the stigma that still surrounds it, and how we can break down barriers by talking openly and compassionately. She also highlights the latest data on suicide in Iowa, the unique risk factors among youth and older adults, and what communities can do to foster prevention and support. She also shares practical steps that can be taken if an individual is worried about someone they love and how to create a safe space for open conversations.Click to see resources for Youth Suicide PreventionRead more on our blog:Suicide Prevention in the Workplace: What Employers Need to KnowAsking Hard Questions: Suicide PreventionYou may be interested in our other podcasts:What Zac KnewWhat Andy Taught UsEFR offers our clients a variety of services, including Counseling, Life Coaching, and Child and Eldercare Resources. If your company would like to partner with us to offer these services to your employees, visit efr.org/employers to learn more.Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

Iowan Mike Rowley shares the detective work that revealed his ancestor's service. Then, we meet the pilot who flew around the world to raise awareness for polio eradication.

Tomorrow will be a very important day for many people.  Why?  Fed Chair Jerome Powell will speak and the rate question is front and center. This is the Business News Headlines for Thursday the 21st day of August, thanks for listening! In other news a Central Bank governor said she is not letting Trump dictate her service. Flight attendants in the US are as angry as they are in Canada…but here they are unlikely to strike and why. Walmart released its quarterly earnings and the company isn't letting tariffs impact them.  Target has named an Iowan and 20 year insider as their new CEO. We'll check the numbers in the Wall Street Report and companies are reporting they are going to higher fewer workers and that could be a problem.  Ready?  Let's go! Thanks for listening! The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Author Peter Simons discusses his book Global Heartland: Cultivating the American Century on the Midwestern Farm. Then, an ISU wildlife extension specialist offers a new resource for Iowans who want to support wildlife.

With nitrate levels making headlines again, Mike doesn't shy away from addressing Iowa's Nutrient Reduction Strategy and how his team is driving long-term improvements in water quality. He also explains the real impact of the Choose Iowa branding initiative, how export tracking actually works, and why the Iowa State Fair is one of the best tools for connecting everyday Iowans with agriculture.We dig into hot-button topics like crop conditions, biosecurity in pork and beef, rural workforce development, and the significance of celebrating Century & Heritage Farms. Whether you're a farmer, policymaker, or just someone who cares about Iowa's land and legacy, this episode will give you a timely, no-spin look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Midwest agriculture.  Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/

The future of housing in Iowa is getting smaller—and smarter. In this conversation, Mike Stuart of Tiny Homes Iowa explains how his company is transforming the housing market with tiny homes that combine modern design, efficiency, and affordability. With the state's new legislation paving the way for tiny homes in every Iowa city and county, Mike shares how this change could redefine where and how Iowans live. From engineering to energy efficiency, we unpack the process that makes tiny homes possible and the opportunities it creates for Iowa's skilled workforce and suppliers. This is more than a discussion on construction—it's a vision for sustainable communities, expanded housing access, and a manufacturing sector ready to meet the demands of tomorrow's homeowners. Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/tiny-homes   

Are you a caregiver struggling with attending to your own self-care needs? In this episode of EFR's Emotion Well Podcast, Melody Vachal, Amazon best-selling author, speaker, and caregiving advocate, shares her experiences on both sides of the caregiving journey—having spent many years as a primary caregiver to her son with special needs and then having to be the recipient of care after a serious car accident. She gives practical advice on how to carve out the mental, emotional, and physical spaces needed so caregivers can show up as the best versions of themselves to the people who rely on them. You can connect with Melody through her website, or on her LinkedIn or Facebook pages. Click here to learn more about or purchase her book, Still, I Rise.EFR offers our clients a variety of services, including Counseling, Life Coaching, and Child and Eldercare Resources. If your company would like to partner with us to offer these services to your employees, visit efr.org/employers to learn more.Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

We conclude our pregame coverage of the 2025 Gene Frankel Theatre Festival on the latest Whisper int he Wings from Stage Whisper. This time around, we were joined by four more fantastic artists and the shows they are bringing here to the Big Apple. So be sure you tune in and turn out for this great event!First Annual Gene Frankel Theatre Festival August 4th- 17th@ The Gene Frankel TheatreTickets and more information are available at genefrankeltheatrefestival.com And be sure to follow our guests to stay up to date on all their upcoming projects and productions: Anne of a Thousand Faces written, directed and performed by Edward Gibbons-Brown August 6th, 9th, 10th, 13th, 14th, and 16th@anneofathousandfaces@edwardgibbonsbrown@frigidnightcapA Season for Iowans by Kevin Cheng August 5th, 9th, and 14th@aseasonforiowans@kevbot_chengBest Thing in the World written and directed by Stacey Manos August 8th, 11th, and 16th@skmpoetryBetween Them and Now by Sara Velasco August 6th, 10th, and 14th@sara.marvel

Iowa Business Report Monday EditionJul. 28, 2025      Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Mike Naig encourages Iowans to use Iowa-sourced products for their family and community events this summer. 

Iowa has one of the highest cancer rates in the U.S., but advancements have led to more survivors.

Today, analysis from political scientists at Iowa State University and Drake University.

Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), the first female combat veteran elected to the U.S. Senate and author of DAUGHTER OF THE HEARTLAND: My Ode to the Country that Raised Me, joined The Guy Benson Show today to discuss her vote for the Big Beautiful Law and why the law is crucial to keeping taxes lower for Iowans and Americans across the country. Sen. Ernst also broke down where the U.S. is trimming spending through its recession-related legislation, noting that even small cuts matter. Benson and Ernst also discussed on her work shaping the NDAA, with key efforts to strengthen military recruitment and rein in secretive spending. Listen to the full interview below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Razib talks to repeat guest Steve Hsu about China, a topic with so many currently relevant dimensions gIven the PRC's clear emergence as an economic, military and political rival to the US. Hsu is a Caltech‑trained theoretical physicist who migrated from black holes to big data, co‑invented privacy tech at SafeWeb, helped found the biotech company Genomic Prediction, all while remaining a prominent public voice on genetics, intelligence and the future of human enhancement. He is also a professor of physics at Michigan State, and from 2012-2020 was vice president for research and graduate studies there. Razib and Hsu discuss whether China is innovating and how meanwhile American regulation and culture are stifling its domestic creativity. A proud Iowan, Hsu rebuts the notion that he is pro-China, seeing himself simply as a realist convinced that it is important to face the PRC head on and assess its strengths candidly. He and Razib talk about China's demographic headwinds. Hsu points out the reality of demographic inertia. The generation already born in the 21st century is an abundant young workforce who will power the nation's rise for the next 30-40 years; that disastrously plummeting fertility making headlines today is a concern post-dated for at least a generation down the road. They also discuss the quality of Chinese higher education, and the reality that the population today is far more educated than it was 25 years ago. Hsu also talks about possible cultural and biobehavioral differences between East Asians and Europeans, and addresses why South Asians seem to be better adapted to succeed in American corporate culture.

Turns out there are more then just cornfields in the State of Iowa. From giant chevron UFO's to hovering black triangles Iowans are calling it in to NUFORC!

A look at this week's news, including the end of a state mental health program and the potential privatization of the U.S. Postal Service.

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson from Iowa's Second Congressional District and member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Select Committee on China, joined the Guy Benson Show today to discuss the Senate-passed recissions bill that will defund public media like NPR and PBS. Hinson discussed the passage of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" and the benefit that it will bring Iowans, and she also weighed in on the potential of an open Senate seat in the state of Iowa. Listen to the full interview below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iowans address how changes to federal food assistance programs will reshape how we address food insecurity issues.

New students from surrounding states might be able to pay in-state tuition at the University of Northern Iowa. A new report on Iowa's ecology shows the state has lost a lot of habitats. And a transgender Iowan balances grief and hope in light of gender identity being removed from the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

Political scientists analyze how the new tax and policy legislation will affect Iowans and other major headlines.

This week on Queer News, Anna DeShawn is holding space for the hard and the hopeful as Iowa becomes the first state to strip gender identity from civil rights protections, and UPenn caves to Trump's threats, erasing Lia Thomas' NCAA wins. We hear about the family of Chyna Long, a Black trans woman, finally getting some justice in court. Then there's resilience too: nearly 100,000 march for Pride in Budapest despite a government ban, Noah's Arc: The Movie makes Black queer history on Paramount+, and Chicago's Artis restaurant fights to stay open after tragedy. From heartbreak to historic wins, let's get into it. Want to support this podcast?

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Trump, Iowa and Trade Deals4:45 Vietnam/US Trade Deal6:50 US Weather Update8:33 Ethanol Production11:45 Stock Market Records

Political experts discuss Trump's policy and tax bill and the Paramount settlement.

For thousands of years, dugout canoes were a vital form of transportation for Indigenous Americans.

Iowa has always been a major supporter of Registered Apprenticeships, but that commitment grew even further when the state took over apprenticeship oversight from the U.S. Department of Labor in June of 2024.  Iowa Office of Apprenticeship Program Director Dane Sulentic joins the podcast to talk about what the IOA has accomplished in the last year, lessons learned, and what Iowan's can expect from the IOA in the next 365 days. 

Ron Geis, a Nebraska native turned proud Iowan, who's spent decades advancing agriculture in multiple ways — from working in crop protection with Corteva Agriscience, to helping run a family cow-calf operation, to mentoring the next generation of ag leaders.Ron reflects on growing up on a dairy farm and how those early mornings and hard lessons shaped his outlook on life and work. He shares what it's been like to witness — and contribute to — the evolution of crop protection technology throughout his career. His background in agricultural education also shines through, offering insight into how he communicates with growers and supports Corteva's mission across Iowa and beyond.But it's not all business — we get to know Ron on a personal level, too. He opens up about working alongside his wife on their cattle operation, camping adventures in their “hotel on wheels,” and the joy his grandchildren bring to his life. Ron even shares what advice he'd pass along to young people considering a career in agriculture.As always, we wrap up with a fun either/or round, and Ron leaves us with thoughtful advice as we all look ahead to the 2025 season. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/

Elon Musk set off a grenade in conservative circles this week, trashing the one big, beautiful bill Trump has staked so much on. He didn't just throw shade — he called it a “disgusting abomination,” backed Rand Paul's $5 trillion deficit claim, and waved the American flag emoji as punctuation. This wasn't a random tweet. This was Musk choosing to detonate right as Speaker Mike Johnson is working the Senate hard to shepherd this bill into law. Johnson, for his part, did respond, claiming he had a 20-minute phone call with Musk where the topic never came up. But c'mon — that silence says a lot. Either Johnson's not telling the whole story, or Musk baited him. Neither looks great.The timing is brutal. Musk has been a reliable MAGA ally — hosting DeSantis's launch, reshaping Twitter into a free speech battleground, becoming a key donor and message amplifier. When he turns on your signature policy, it signals open season. And it's not just personal. Elon hates the EV credit phase-outs in the bill. He's furious about the AI regulatory overrides that strip individual from states like California. And his businesses, from SpaceX to Starlink, all have reasons to be wary of the bill's broader tech oversight. So what looked like a united conservative front just fractured — and it fractured loudly. This is the part of the process where fights get public. And loud. And weird.Politics Politics Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Iowa and the 2024 RemapIt's moments like this that make me appreciate the Iowa caucus even more. Say what you will about the process — yes, it's clunky, yes, it can be exclusionary — but nobody works harder at retail politics than Iowans. I've been in diners, VFW halls, and school gyms across that state. These are folks who grill candidates, push policy details, and actually pay attention. Compare that to South Carolina, which Biden bumped to the front of the line for the Democratic primary. That move was clearly strategic — to avoid an early embarrassment — but it came at a cost. The engagement just isn't the same. You can walk into a bar in Manchester and get into a policy debate with a random guy sipping Busch Light. That's not happening in Columbia.Now, there's a window to fix it. With 2024 settled, both parties could realign the primary calendar — and they should. Let Iowa go first. Let New Hampshire follow. Put South Carolina third, Nevada fourth. Let people earn it. The current process is dominated by consultants who don't want surprises. But surprises are good. They shake things up. They reveal flaws. They test candidates in real-time, not just in sanitized TV town halls. If you want to know who can campaign in a blizzard, let 'em face a real one. Bring back the vetting. Bring back the grit.Deal Deadlines and Tiers of ImportanceThen there's the global chessboard. June marks the end of the 90-day tariff pause Trump announced on Liberation Day — his dramatic trade reset. That pause gave negotiators time to cut new deals, to defuse tensions. But with just weeks left, where are the deals? Trump hasn't sealed anything. Not with China. Not with India. Not with Vietnam, or Mexico, or even Taiwan. Instead, he's hosting white paper summits and showing off 2017 flashbacks. The branding is tight, but the substance is lagging.Look at the scoreboard. Ukraine was inching toward peace talks — then dropped a drone strike that disabled a third of Russia's bomber fleet. That doesn't scream “diplomatic breakthrough.” Gaza? The American-backed aid initiative is collapsing under mutual mistrust and unconfirmed shootings. We're left trying to guess which footage is real and which claims are propaganda. And while all this plays out, the trade environment remains stuck. Japan, South Korea, Australia — they're locked into frameworks that don't need rewriting. The real action would be a comprehensive tariff reset with Mexico or Vietnam, or a groundbreaking semiconductor pact with Taiwan. But so far, we're getting press releases, not treaties.So here's how I see it. You've got three tiers of trade potential. Tier 1: countries that matter symbolically — Canada, UK, the Netherlands. Deals here look good but don't move markets. Tier 2: mid-size powerhouses like South Korea, Japan, and Germany. All three matter for automotives, while South Korea and Japan both matter for their tech sectors. Finally, Tier 3 is where it counts: China, Mexico, Vietnam, Taiwan, India. If Trump can close one deal there, he regains the upper hand. If he can't, he enters the summer with big talk and no wins — just in time for Senate Democrats to go on offense. Time is ticking.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:03:10 - Elon Trashes the BBB00:08:09 - Iowa Caucus 00:11:24 - Trump Trade Tiers00:22:14 - Interview with Michael Cohen00:49:52 - Update00:50:33 - Big Beautiful Bill Senate Discussions00:53:05 - Jaime Harrison Comments00:55:08 - Trump China Trade Talks00:57:23 - Interview with Michael Cohen, con't.01:35:36 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe